Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations

ACEC-Ontario | Director, Government & Stakeholder Relations (Hybrid / Remote)

The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Ontario (ACEC-Ontario) is seeking an experienced
Director, Government & Stakeholder Relations
to lead the organization's advocacy, government relations, business risk, and stakeholder engagement efforts at a pivotal time for Ontario's consulting engineering sector.

This is a high-visibility role for a government relations professional who can hit the ground running, bring established networks in government and related organizations (e.g., Infrastructure Ontario), and translate complex policy issues into clear, practical outcomes that matter to members.

The Organization

ACEC-Ontario engages in proactive advocacy on behalf of member firms that are an essential component of the design and construction sectors. Member firms are committed to helping solve Ontario's infrastructure challenges and work with the provincial and municipal governments to build a stronger Ontario for today and for the future.

ACEC-Ontario member firms have over 400 offices, located in every corner of the province, often with deep

ties to local communities and economies. They employ more than 28,000
professionals and contribute nearly $10 billion
to the Ontario economy. The association has an active volunteer base of 150 members.

The Role

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director serves as ACEC-Ontario's primary point of connection with provincial and municipal decision-makers, advancing priority issues related to infrastructure delivery, procurement, and business practices. The role blends strategic judgment with hands-on execution in a lean, fast-moving environment. The Director oversees a Manager, Municipal Relations who focuses on municipal issues and enhances municipal government outreach.

Success will be measured by visibility, momentum, and impact, building credibility with government, securing meaningful meetings, maintaining focus on top priorities, and clearly demonstrating value to member firms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute ACEC-Ontario's government relations and advocacy agenda in alignment with Board-approved priorities, the strategic plan, and work plans
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, senior public servants, and political staff across Ontario
• Secure and manage a steady cadence of meetings and touchpoints with government decision-makers; track and report outcomes
• Serve as staff liaison to the Government Relations Committee and Business Practices Committee, working collaboratively with the Manager, Municipal Relations
• Advance policy positions on key issues such as risk allocation, procurement practices, project sustainability, and workforce development
• Analyze public-sector policies and procurement documents to proactively identify risks, opportunities, and solutions for members
• Coordinate chapters, volunteers, and stakeholders to support effective association grassroots advocacy
• Communicate clearly and strategically with members, focusing on what matters most and why
• Encourage member engagement and help build consensus across diverse viewpoints
• Provide leadership to the Government and Stakeholder Relations department, working closely and highly collaboratively with the Manager, Municipal Relations
• Work closely and highly collaboratively with the Executive Director and other team members in a remote office operating environment

What You Bring

• A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, or policy
• University degree (four-year), preferably in political science, public policy, public administration, communications, or a related field
• As this is a supervisory role, supervisory experience is required
• Demonstrated experience in a membership-based organization, industry association, or with an employer where the issues of priority to consulting engineering firms are advocated
• Established networks and credibility with the Government of Ontario at all levels, and experience with ministries including Transportation, Infrastructure, Environment, Conservation and Parks, Energy, Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mines, Education, Colleges and Universities, as well as Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx
• Strong ability to synthesize complex issues and communicate effectively with senior audiences
• Excellent judgment, prioritization, and organizational skills in a role with competing demands
• A collaborative, approachable, and professional style, with the confidence to advocate firmly when needed
• Comfort working independently in a high-visibility role with limited internal support
• A valid driver's license and use of a reliable vehicle to attend meetings throughout Ontario

Why Join ACEC-Ontario?

This role offers a unique opportunity to:

• Shape public policy affecting Ontario's consulting engineering sector
• Be a visible and trusted voice with government decision-makers and industry leaders
• Lead advocacy efforts with real impact on procurement, risk, and infrastructure delivery
• Work closely with businesses with the technical skills and expertise needed to help the government make informed decisions contributing to a vibrant social and economic future for Ontario

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to apply with their résumé and overview of relevant experience to the job requirements, to

The Portage Group Inc.

Attn: Jack Shand, Practice Lead, Executive Seach

Email:

Note that the employer is exempt from disclosing the salary range under Ontario Regulation 476/24 due to the number of employees (fewer than 25), however, the salary range will be provided to applicants prior to their being interviewed. Note that compensation (salary and benefits) is competitive with similar senior management level positions (defined as Level 4, Canadian Society of Association Executives
Benefits and Compensation Report
, 2025).

Questions about the role may be directed to the email address above. Details about ACEC-Ontario are at

Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until a hiring decision is made. Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Candidates are encouraged to email their applications to The Portage Group.